2013-05-20 Moore, OK Tornado

The tornado in Oklahoma has devastated the region and many of our Servicemen are in need. The pictures here show the devastation it carried in its wake. Across Team Tinker 140 families had their homes destroyed with an additional 196 damaged to the point of being displaced. These numbers may continue to rise as information comes in. Tinker has activated an Emergency Family Evacuation Center to support military and civilian Servicemen, as well as their families. In addition they are preparing to stage for FEMA support. Tinker First Sergeants are determining the aid requirements for Servicemen who lost houses and are ready to support as required once each family is identified and informs leadership of their immediate needs. Tinker spouses are heavily engaged, too.

The Air Warrior Courage Foundation (AWCF) with the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (River Rats) of the Heartland Pack are attempting to assist as many people as possible. We are working with Tinker leadership, including the Navy TACAMO unit, to ensure individuals are identified and funds are provided to them ASAP. We are also working with the Oklahoma University Naval ROTC leadership who are assisting in getting temporary housing for families in need. The AWCF has allocated $100K for disaster relief to those affected. The AWCF policy is to help all Active, Reserve, Guard and retired military members.

This is the Tinker AFB web site that shows many of the efforts going on to help the victims.

1. Send a check to the AWCF, P.O. Box 877, Silver Spring, MD 20918. In a note or on the check say "For Tornado Disaster Relief"

2. Using a credit card. Go to our home page at www.airwarriorcourage.org .

a. On the Home page is a DONATE button. Click it and it will take you to a page with a GIVE DIRECT button. Click it and fill in the blanks. In the COMMENTS block put in "For Tornado Disaster Relief".

Thank you for all of your help and support! Tinker leadership greatly appreciates the concern and support they've received and recognize this will be a long struggle and they are prepared to see it through.